Family Planning

Caroline Colin, MD

OB-GYN located in Santa Monica, CA

Family Planning Specialist

Family Planning is an important part of any woman's life. No matter what the goals are, having an experienced and highly knowledgeable OB/GYN like Dr. Caroline Colin in Santa Monica, CA can make all the difference.

Family Planning Q & A

How Can Pregnancy Be Prevented?

There are many different ways to prevent pregnancy today. The only 100 percent effective type of pregnancy prevention is abstinence. However, there are several very reliable ways to prevent pregnancy that allow a person to be sexually active. The IUD is an effective birth control method that only requires the implantation of a device at the OB/GYN's office. Oral contraception, injection contraception, and other options like condoms are also used to prevent pregnancy today. Family planning is best done with the help of an experienced OB/GYN who can help the patient determine their needs, goals, and wishes for pregnancy prevention.

Can a Woman Get Pregnant the First Time She Has Sex?

Yes, a woman can get pregnant anytime that she has sex. It is a widespread misconception that a woman can't get pregnant during her first sexual experience. If a woman plans to have sex for the first time, it is best to make sure that a highly effective a reliable birth control method is in place before that.

What Are the Options in Birth Control Today?

There are a wide range of choices for birth control today. Options include IUDs, birth control pills, condoms, contraceptive foams, birth control patches, birth control injections, and much more. Many women find that the best option for them after guidance from their OB/GYN. A frank discussion of desires, needs, and family planning goals is key when determining which kind of birth control will work the best.

What Are the Options in IUDs?

IUDs are an excellent birth control option for many women because they offer a high degree of flexibility and choice in regards to having children in the future. While some options, such as birth control pills, require women to wait for a long period to try to conceive after use, IUDs are much less restrictive. If a woman decides that she wants to have a child, the IUD can be removed and she can immediately start trying to conceive. Mirena and Paragard are two of the leading options in IUDs today. Mirena uses a very small amount of hormones (progesterone) to prevent pregnancy. Paragard does not use hormones but instead prevents pregnancy with a small copper filament. Both are highly effective at pregnancy prevention, but they use very different techniques to do so. Patients can consult with their doctor to decide which option works best for their particular needs.

What Is the Advantage of IUD For Birth Control?

One of the main drawbacks of many types of birth control is that people can forget to use it. Birth control will only be effective if it is used every single time that it is scheduled, without fail. For example, a couple of missed birth control pills could easily result in pregnancy. An IUD has a distinct advantage here because it doesn't have to be moved, changed, or activated by the wearer. Once the OB/GYN places the IUD, the patient has birth control exactly when they need it without having to remember anything. IUDs also have the advantage of being extremely reliable, and in fact being among the most reliable of all birth control methods available today. IUDs are more than 99 percent reliable in pregnancy prevention.

Do Birth Control Devices and Options Also Prevent STDs?

No, birth control devices and options are designed to do one thing: Prevent pregnancy. To prevent STDs, the use of condoms is important, and it is also essential that patients consult with their OB/GYN regarding the best way to prevent both pregnancy and STDs. Patients who work closely with their OB/GYN to take control of their reproductive health are happier and healthier overall.

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